We’ll have to wait for the official numbers, but from what I’ve heard on the street, this year’s fundraising efforts seems to be doing quite well compared to last year for many local nonprofits. An auctioneer friend shared with me how delighted she has been with the amount raised in the events she has worked on, and this has been echoed by several development directors I’ve talked with. On Sunday afternoon, while browsing a copy of Fortune Magazine at the car wash, I stumbled across an article about a family in the Midwest who has been inspired recently by a sense of gratitude to make a number of multi-million dollar gifts around the country with the profits from their hobby shop chain. Oregon State University announced at the AFP Philanthropy Awards ceremony in Portland that it is increasing its campaign goal by an additional $225 million because donors have already blown past the original number a year before the campaign was due to be completed.

While the evening news is still filled with stories about a stagnant economy, it appears that donor generosity is not standing still. I, for one, am thankful to see people coming together and embracing hope.